THREE PITCHERS, ONE INFIELDER NEWLY ADDED TO GRIZZLIES ROSTER

Jan 30, 2017

GCS Credit Union Ballpark - Sauget, IL - Four additional players will freshen up the Grizzlies' locker room, as manager Phil Warren remains busy with shaping the 2017 roster. Announced Friday, the signed free agents include three pitchers and one infielder.

Brandon Texiera, a right-handed pitcher from Florida, will fight for a spot in the starting rotation after putting up impressive numbers during his time with Louisiana State University – Shreveport. The rookie spent three seasons with the Pilots putting together a 12-5 record with 109 strikeouts.

"Brandon has very good command of all his pitches," Warren said. "We expect him to compete for a spot in the starting rotation."

Matt LeVert, another right-handed thrower, will join the pitching staff in hopes of being a key player in the Grizzlies' bullpen. The 24-year old looks at this as "a new start" to his career after spending last season with the Sioux City Explorers out of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball.

Kevin Williams, a left-handed pitcher from Texas, also spent time with the LSU – Shreveport Pilots. Along with LeVert, the Grizzlies' manager sees Williams as another key force in the bullpen.

"Kevin has excellent stuff and is particularly tough on left-handed hitters," Warren said. Williams spent time last season in the Tampa Bay organization where he threw for 18.2 innings and maintained a 3.38 ERA.

Alex Rubanowitz, the only position player recently signed, will have his first taste of professional baseball in 2017. The California native played overseas in Australia last season but is excited to return to his homeland.

"I've always wanted to play pro ball in the states so I am honored I got this chance with the Grizzlies," Rubanowitz said. Warren describes the UC – Riverside grad as a "slick infielder that can play multiple positions."

These players will make their regular season debut with the team on May 12 when the Grizzlies take on the Florence Freedom at GCS Credit Union Ballpark. For tickets and information, call the Grizzlies' box office at 618-337-3000 or CLICK HERE!

ABOUT THE GATEWAY GRIZZLIES:The Gateway Grizzlies are a professional baseball team, located a me­re 100-yards from I-255 (10 minutes from downtown St. Louis). The Grizzlies offer baseball fans entertainment, the likes of which are difficult to find - affordable, family, fun in a comfortable ballpark with a great view of the St. Louis skyline. For tickets or general information please visit gatewaygrizzlies.com or call 618.337.3000.

ABOUT THE FRONTIER LEAGUE:The Frontier League is celebrating its 25th year as a professional, independent baseball organization. Since its inception, the Frontier League has provided millions of fans to a fun and exciting baseball experience within the American Midwest. Consisting of 12 teams in two divisions and 96 game schedules, the league is recognized for the amount of talented athletes that are picked up by various MLB teams every year.

Photo credits: Louisiana State University in Shreveport, The California State University - San Bernardino Creative Media Services and University of California in Riverside.